GUD Malta at the Niger Child Project Launch as part of the Great Green Wall Agency effort to combat desertification

GUD Malta co-founder, Janine Campling, visited Niger last week to attend the launch of the Great Green Wall agency's Child Project in collaboration with UNEP. Youths from various countries across the Sahel region traveled to this event, which aimed to foster cross-border collaboration. Fifty hectares of land were reforested with a selection of 17,000 saplings of local Combretum plants, known for their medicinal benefits to the local communities. The atmosphere was one of celebration of nature and a sense of great accomplishment after what was a labour-intensive task.

"Preparing the land for saplings is harder than it looks, but when you see the neighbouring lands that have been restored, it gives you encouragement to continue. I think everyone felt empowered, knowing they were actively taking the fight against desertification into their own hands,," commented Janine.

Niger has experienced considerable greening of its landscape due to its widely adopted agroforestry and sustainable land management initiatives. Communities in Niger have been reaping the benefits of ecosystem farming for a number of years, which involves combining a selection of complementary crops. This approach is only now beginning to gain traction in traditional farming.

As initiatives like the Great Green Wall continue to transform landscapes and lives across the Sahel, the spirit of cooperation and proactive environmental stewardship exemplified in Niger offers a beacon of hope. The dedication of local communities, the enthusiasm of the youth, and the support of international collaborations are not just fighting desertification but are also fostering a sustainable model of development that other regions might emulate. This project underscores the power of collective action in addressing global challenges, reminding us that with perseverance and unity, significant environmental restoration is possible.

GUD Malta is a carbon market partner to communities of the Sahel region, ensuring market accessibility and grassroots ownership of carbon assets to empower and promote a just climate transition.